Sugar - a 30 year wait was worth it...

A cross posting from my World of Music blog - please check it out if you haven't already.

Sugar were one of the best bands of the 90s. 

On Saturday night. I went to see them play live for the first time as a three-piece. I've seen Bob Mould perform several times: solo and in a trio, but Sugar didn't play very often in the UK. This was the first time they'd played in the UK for over 30 years and they got a great reception from a packed crowd - many of them a similar age to me. This was my first time at the O2 Forum, a converted cinema, and it was flipping hot! I had a seat upstairs which was preferable to standing up for four hours.

I first heard these songs when I was in my 20s and now I'm in my 60s....

Here's a few shots from a very hot and sweaty gig at the O2 Forum, Kentish Town last night. 24 songs in 90 minutes... and lots of distortion.

Images: Alan Parkinson

I had all their albums - there weren't many - and many CD singles too with extra tracks.

Copper Blue is the classic. 

Released in 1992, and featuring songs such as 'Hoover Dam'.

They released 'FUEL', and 'B-Sides' and then a short EP album called 'Beaster', which was particularly ferocious. 

I loved the fact they played 'Gee Angel' last night too, from FUEL.

And from Beaster they played 'J C Auto'.

I'd actually bought some ear protection for this gig - the first time I've ever worn any, but I already have a bit of tinnitus and could do without it getting a lot worse. 

I bought some Loop hearing protection, and after the first three songs (from Copper Blue) I needed to put them in and I have to say that they made a real difference. The sound was sharpened (and the volume reduced 10-15 dB) and they certainly improved the experience. They are recommended.

There were some excellent limited edition posters for sale as well.

Here's Tilted from 'Beaster'.

The setlist is here.

I shall add some reviews once I find some.

Jay Cox posted some awesome videos - thanks for sharing on Facebook!

And here's a review in 'The Guardian'

Mould, arguably, is the man who brought melody to American hardcore punk, and Sugar continued his desire for big tunes and searing guitars. When he plays alone, it can be hard sometimes to pick out the melodies behind the trebly sheets of guitar, but the ballast of the rhythm section holds the tunes in place, and the pop smarts of If I Can’t Change Your Mind and Gee Angel burst out of the PA.